Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amy Hodkin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Amy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I’m really grateful for my art education here in the UK and I know I couldn’t have got to where I am without it. The tutors during my Art Foundation encouraged me to continuously draw, paint, play and experiment. I found their passion for art and design so invigorating. Following the foundation year I went on to study Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern Design at Leeds Arts University. I can never fully express how much I loved this course because it taught me a lot about being a professional designer going into the creative industries.

When I was younger I wasn’t very kind to myself, I didn’t fully understand that making mistakes is how you learn and I was always chasing perfection. I think investing in my mental health earlier would have sped up the learning process for me, but of course, I wouldn’t know that now without going through it in the first place. Everyone is always where they need to be.

The most essential skills I learned were related to running a creative business and understanding that there is a huge market for art and design just like everything else. I spent a lot of time learning how my art can fit into that market. As an illustrator I would say that life drawing and drawing from observation are very essential skills. Once you learn the fundamental rules of drawing that’s when you can break them and start to develop your own artistic voice.

Amy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Amy Hodkin, and I work as an illustrator from my home studio in Yorkshire, England. Originally from the Midlands I fell in love with the North after completing my BA in Printed Textiles & Surface Pattern Design at Leeds Arts University. I later gained my Masters in Illustration from Falmouth University.

Using a mixture of gouache, ink, pencil crayon and digital tools I combine vibrant colours and textural marks to create playful narratives and whimsical illustrations inspired by all things weird and wonderful. In the past I have worked on projects for greetings cards, stationery and children’s patterns.

As well as working as a freelance illustrator I also create and make for my brand, Happy Wolf.

Happy Wolf is an illustrated wonderland of whimsy creating colourful cards, gifts and stationery. Every product is designed by me and manufactured in the UK using the most sustainable options where possible. During the pandemic I invested a lot of time and energy into my mental health and realised that life is too short: enjoy the things you really love no matter how uncool they might be, catch up with your family and friends often and find happiness in the little things like watching so-bad-they’re-good movies or sending a surprise care package to a long distance friend.

Happy Wolf is about staying playful, spreading the love and embracing the small joys of everyday life. I hope that my cute and silly designs can play a part in those small acts of love and everyday joys!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I love being able to transform a blank page into something colourful, beautiful and unique. Then I get to show that something to people and they smile at it, make nice comments and sometimes even want to buy it. That’s a really good feeling.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think choosing to shop with artists and small business owners where possible is the easiest place to start.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.happywolf.co.uk
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/happywolfco
• Other: Portfolio: www.instagram.com/amyhodkin Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyhodkin